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Art & Exhibitions
Upcoming art shows and exhibitions in regional Victoria
Jessica Taylor Yates
September 12, 2023
Andy Warhol’s famed pop art, winning Archibald masterpieces, and a winery art trail are just some of the spectacular arts events coming to regional Victoria.
Step aside, Guggenheim and the Louvre. This year, the regional areas of Victoria are the home of the arts, with galleries from Mornington to Mansfield brimming with a wealth of creative art exhibits, installations, and experiences for all to admire.
There are exhibitions like the Ballarat International Foto Biennale, a commemoration of all things photography; a display of works dedicated solely to cats; an Indigenous exhibit celebrating the power of women supporting women; and immersive installations telling the story of soil.
Whether you prefer your art painted, projected, surreal, interactive, real, or imagined; there’s an exhibit around Victoria’s cultural state that’s sure to satisfy your inner art lover.
The Ballarat International Foto Biennale is back for another season | RACV
What’s on: The best art shows and exhibitions coming to Victoria 2023
Ballarat International Foto Biennale, City of Ballarat
Running now to 22 October, 2023
This spring, the country’s biggest photography exhibit is making its triumphant return to the gold rush city of Ballarat. The Ballarat International Foto Biennale, or BIFB, will feature over 2,000 works from over 150 artists around the Ballarat region, all immersed in the 2023 theme The Real Thing.
International acclaimed artists, including works from Platon and Erik Johansson will be on display, as well as those from renowned Australian photographers.
Instant Warhol, direct to BIFB, is a collection of 56 original Polaroid portraits of famous artists, performers, and Andy Warhol himself.
The festival includes photography works; workshops; food and drink experiences; discussions; and art celebrations, with the RACV Goldfields Resort proudly home to three famed artist exhibitions and a number of festival events.
We the Makers Sustainable Fashion Prize, National Wool Museum, Geelong
Running now to 29 October, 2023
Celebrating the sartorial but making it green is the ethos on this fashion catwalk. There are 20 fashion entries on display, which all adhere to a commitment of a sustainable fashion aesthetic.
In an effort to support ‘authentic design, material consciousness and sustainable, ethical practice,’ the We the Makers Sustainable Fashion Prize exhibit is not only a competition for budding fashion designers worldwide, but a chance for the City of Geelong to promote its role in the sustainable clothing industry.
Erik Johansson is one of the international artists whose work will be featured at the Ballarat International Foto Biennale. Image: Supplied
The Archibald Prize is always popular. Image: 'True Territorian': Portrait of Grandma Lum Loy, 1979 by Geoff La Gerche
The Soils Project highlights our relationship with soil and environmental materials. Image Diewke van den Heuvel, Cave 2020, Crack 2022, Installation view
Stich showcases sustainable, wearable art. Image: Visit Victoria
A colourful presentation of one-off artistic pieces, the artists use their creativity to present garments from upcycled and tailored materials to present a series of stitched, environmental, fashionable art.
The Soils Project, TarraWarra Museum of Art, Healesville
Running now to 12 November, 2023
An exhibit that explores the use and meaning behind Earth’s natural resource, The Soils Project is a collaboration of multiple artists across three countries depicting their relationship with the environment.
The research-based exhibition includes photographs, video, Indigenous materials, prints and physical materials, all demonstrating the impact of climate change and the history and meaning of our relationship with nature.
The country’s most prestigious portraiture prize is back for 2023, and this year, the finalists will be on display in the famed Mornington Peninsula region.
Proudly supporting local suppliers, the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery (MPRG) is not only hosting the exhibition, but has taken the opportunity to feature many surrounding local businesses in a celebration of all things MornPen Shire.
From an artisan store with locally made ceramics, jewellery and artefacts, to the onsite HABITAT bar featuring live music and a menu from local artists and suppliers like Flinders Distillery and Jetty Road, to the apron uniforms created by a former Alexander McQueen designer and now head of local fashion brand Everwear Denim.
In fact, the whole region seems to getting into the Archibald spirit, whether it's enjoying an Archibald Prize Cronut at Dromana's Au Croissanterie, to an Archibald Cocktail at Main Ridge's pub The Pig and The Whistle, you're bound to have a day of portraiture celebrated in all its forms on your visit to the MPRG.
The 100-year-old competition exhibit itself will feature 57 portraits of famous figures and identities, as well as imagery from budding ‘Young Archies,’ while the gallery will also run a series or talks, workshops, Open Late evenings, and education programs. It's expected to be packed, so getting tickets in advance is recommended.
If you prefer felines to friends, admire the cattery of works at the Cats Come To Creswick Exhibition. Image: Loris Button, 'Throw,' linoprint & collage on BFK paper
James Henry with Henry Harmony Nelson's Descendants – the Saunders family from Mooroopna, Meeting at Marna bulatj dharak (Meeting of arms), Lake Eppalock, 2021, colour photograph. From the series 18 Families, commissioned by Castlemaine Art Museum. Courtesy of the artist
We The Makers is a presentation by Geelong's National Wool Museum. Image: City of Geelong
There's plenty to admire at Art in the Vines. Image: Visit Macedon Ranges
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Terrace Projection: James Henry with Henry Harmony Nelson's Descendants – the Saunders family from Mooroopna, Castlemaine Art Museum, Castlemaine
Running 15 September to 10 December, 2023
Focusing on the local Dja Dja Wurrung Peoples, this exhibit about connection presents a series of photographs and video works from famed Indigenous photographer James Henry. Part of the exhibit, 18 Families, is recognition of the 18 ancestors of the Jaara community and wider Dja Dja Wurrung Country.
Outdoors, visitors can visit one of the state’s best country pubs before sunset, when images, videos and ideas will be projected around the streets during the exhibit's Terrace Nights.
Cats Come to Creswick, Creswick Town Hall, Goldfields
Running 29 September to 1 October, 2023
This art exhibit is one for cat lovers. An event celebrating all things meows and whiskers, Cats Come to Creswick is a homage to Norman Lindsay, a former Creswick local who both loved and painted cats.
A charitable event, the exhibit features works from 48 different artists about the loveable domestic pet, from watercolours of kittens, to classic and contemporary prints, paintings, and artworks of your favourite felines. Purr-fect.
Art in the Vines features works from 26 local and international sculpture artists, displayed against the outdoor backdrop of the fabulous Macedon Ranges.
The tour is given at the Hanging Rock Winery, where you can start with a Cellar Door tasting before embarking on the sculpture trail at your own leisure.
Strong Women, Geelong Gallery, Geelong
Running 21 October, 2023 to 25 February, 2024
Coming from South Australia, 'Kungka Kuṉpu' (Strong Women) highlights artists from the Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands, the ‘cultural custodians of an oral tradition that epitomises the art of storytelling.’
The touring exhibit is a celebration of women supporting women over generations, as shown through painting, sculpture, woven art and moving imagery.
Just like in Connection, the works also depict the relationship to each other, family, and Country, demonstrating the strong ties that art holds to storytelling and culture for First Peoples.
Silo art in Rupanyup by Julia Volchkova. Image: Visit Victoria
Wine, dine, and explore a range of artworks along the Mornington Art Trail. Image: Dreams of Ordinary People, Peter Tilley, Point Leo Estate Sculpture Park
Creswick's ArtHouse is home to a variety of rotating exhibitions, artists and experiences. Image: Erik Johansson, ArtHouse Mock Up, Office Escape
Art is all around. Art: Gregor Kregat, Reflective lullaby, 2013. Image: Mark Ashkanasy
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Art to visit year-round in regional Victoria
While it would be impossible to list all the fabulous art galleries, exhibits and shows that feature in regional Victoria throughout the year, some highlights you can visit year-round include:
The Mornington Peninsula Art and Wine Trail, Mornington Peninsula
In recent years, the Mornington Peninsula wineries have expanded to feature works of local artists to accompany the gastronomic experience they provide.
Now featuring a true feast for the senses, the self-guidedMornington Peninsula Art and Wine Trail runs across several wineries featuring sculptures, paintings, photographic works, featured exhibits, art experiences and more.
The creative space nestled in the RACV Goldfields Resort has become a home for roving exhibitions, artist-in-residence programs, community arts events, workshops, and arts programs.
In the last year, ArtHouse has featured everything from BIFB workshops to Dja Dja Wurrung artist Tashara Roberts and Melbourne-based artist Casey Jeffery.
Public roadside art, around Victoria
Ever seen a large sculpture or statue on the freeway and thought, what’s that all about? It’s probably part of Victoria’s public roadside art installations, which feature everything from a giant hotel to a towering silver garden gnome.
The Silo Art Trail, around Victoria
A 700km-long drive around the Victorian region, the Silo Art Trail features over 15 exquisitely painted silos across regional areas of Victoria. Now known as Australia’s largest outdoor gallery, it’s worth visiting a few on a road trip and exploring all the regions have to offer.
More: Check out the painted cows and Aboriginal Street Art Project Murals of Shepparton, the Big Things on the East Coast drive, William Rickett’s Sanctuary in the Dandenongs, the street art of Benalla, the sculptures of Frankston, the Mansfield Arts Walk and many more!
